Bird Vetch
Vicia cracca
Vicia cracca, commonly known as bird's-foot trefoil, is a traditional plant used in various ecological and agricultural contexts. While there are no specific traditional uses or practices associated with Vicia cracca itself, studies have shown that the plant exhibits certain biological activities when exposed to environmental stressors such as radiation and heavy metals. Research indicates that Vicia cracca can undergo altered gene expression and display signs of DNA damage under chronic radiation exposure. Additionally, a study from Russia reported on the whole-genome sequence of Rhizobium sp. strain 32-5/1 isolated from Vicia cracca root nodules, highlighting its potential in microbiological interactions. The plant has also been found to contain varying levels of phenolic compounds and showed moderate antimicrobial activity against certain microorganisms. Scientific evidence is limited, but no major safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Vicia cracca plants exposed to chronic radiation showed altered gene expression, metabolic changes, and signs of DNA damage and stress responses.
- The study reports the whole-genome sequence of Rhizobium sp. strain 32-5/1 isolated from Vicia cracca root nodules in Russia.
- Vicia cracca showed moderate pollution levels with heavy metals in the habitat.
- The study identified the chemical composition, phenolic content, and antimicrobial activities of Vicia bithynica and V. cracca subsp. cracca extracts, showing varying effectiveness against tested microorganisms.
- Aqueous extracts from leaf litter of studied invasive woody plants negatively affect seed germination and initial growth of Vicia cracca and Avena strigosa.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bird Vetch?
Bird Vetch (Vicia cracca) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Bird Vetch?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Bird Vetch; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Vicia cracca plants exposed to chronic radiation showed altered gene expression, metabolic changes, and signs of DNA damage and stress responses.
How strong is the evidence for Bird Vetch?
The strongest finding for Bird Vetch carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Bird Vetch safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Bird Vetch in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Bird Vetch interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Bird Vetch in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Bird Vetch?
Bird Vetch is also known as: Горошек мышиный, Vesce craque.
Is Bird Vetch a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 [Heavy Metal Pollution Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Golden Snub-nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) Habitat in Shennongjia Mountains]. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Draft Genome Sequence of Rhizobium sp. Strain 32-5/1, Isolated from Vicia cracca L. Root Nodules in the Russian Arctic. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Multi-Omics Analysis of Vicia cracca Responses to Chronic Radiation Exposure in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Leaf Extracts of Invasive Woody Species Demonstrate Allelopathic Effects on the Growth of a Lawn Grass Mixture. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Essential Oils, Phenolic Contents, and Antimicrobial Activities of Vicia Bithynica L. and Vicia cracca L. subsp. Cracca. literature abstract metadata